Why studying psychology will help you to understand yourself, and human behavior, build empathy, and create a naturally optimistic mindset

29 January 2023.

What Do People Do All Day

One of the most interesting books I have ever read was What Do People Do All Day by Richard Scarry, I was 7 or 8 years old. I was fascinated by all the things people did for jobs, all the detail in the illustrations, and the sense of humor inherent in all of it. I would gaze at just one page for something like an hour or so. It was fascinating to learn that people can be so different and do different things in life, it seemed to me at the time that they operated in a very well-defined circumstance.?It also manages to show children the nitty-gritty of how many things work (like building a house or sailing a passenger boat) while also keeping it entertaining. It was the first time in my life, I believe, that I thought about human psychology. I vividly remember asking, why they are doing what they are doing. What does make me happy? What made them make those choices? What is important to them? How should I govern myself? Profound questions in some respect.

At the age of 16, our school send us to this development center, where we had to complete some personality tests. And I do remember mine was something to do with “working with people”.?At the time it was very interesting to learn that tests could predict/suggest my future. But it was the first time I got a glimpse into human psychology, even a basic one, through personality tests.

But I was hooked. I would then read anything related to so-called pop-culture psychology and attend courses.

As we grow and progress, we get into routines of work, family, and friends and we neglect ourselves. Our job and title become so important to us that we forget to give space to ourselves. And I understand it can be very difficult. We then try to find distractions via hobbies (in my case), by participating in triathlons, cycling events, and marathons. Popular culture says "It is important to exercise, it is vital for your body" - and it is! But is also vital to exercise your mind too. And I will argue it is more important because we have never been taught this in this modern age. And that is a forgotten skill that has remarkable ramifications.

People will do anything no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls".

What is psychology?

So, what the hell is psychology? According to Google, it is “the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context” and/or “the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group”. It is basically the scientific study of the mind and behavior.?

Psychology and happiness

One study, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, found that individuals who engaged in regular self-reflection and introspection had greater life satisfaction and overall happiness compared to those who did not (Kubota & Scherer, 2012). This highlights the importance of understanding one's own mental and emotional processes, which can be achieved through the study of psychology.

Another study, published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, found that individuals who practiced gratitude regularly experienced increased levels of happiness and well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). This demonstrates how psychological insights can provide practical strategies for cultivating a more positive outlook on life.

Research has also shown the importance of social connections in enhancing happiness. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that strong social support and a sense of belonging were positively associated with life satisfaction and happiness (Kim & Lee, 2015). By studying psychology, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of human relationships and learn effective strategies for building and maintaining meaningful connections with others.

Studying human psychology can greatly increase our happiness in life by providing us with a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and by equipping us with practical strategies for managing stress, building strong relationships, and cultivating a positive outlook on life.

"Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakes"

Psychology and optimism

Studying psychology can help individuals improve their level of optimism by providing them with the tools and strategies to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals reinterpret negative experiences in a more positive light, and teaches coping skills for managing stress and anxiety (Beck, 1976). Additionally, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help individuals cultivate a more positive outlook by increasing their awareness of the present moment and reducing negative thought patterns (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).

Moreover, studying positive psychology (or any other approach!) can provide individuals with insights into the power of positive thinking and visualization. These techniques involve focusing on positive outcomes and imagining oneself achieving them, which has been shown to increase motivation, well-being, and resilience (Sheldon & Lyubomirsky, 2006) creativity.

In conclusion, studying psychology can play an important role in improving an individual's level of optimism. By learning about the processes and factors that influence our thoughts and behaviors, we can identify and change negative thought patterns and cultivate a more positive outlook. This, in turn, can lead to better physical and mental health, increased resilience, and greater success in life. And you can do it, you don’t need a degree in psychology.

You Are the Priority

Consider studying “YOU” first, by everyday journalling, painting (art is our subconscious mind!) and simply getting a psychotherapist, or therapist. At the end of the day, you need someone to listen and ask the right questions. The study of our own psyche can provide us with a better understanding of our motivations and values. By examining our beliefs, attitudes, and desires, we can gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters to us and make more informed decisions about our lives. And that's huge! Whichever way, method, or approach (behavioral, psychoanalysis...) you choose you will be already ahead of 98% of the population. This, in turn, can lead to greater life satisfaction and fulfillment (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Your mental health is above your family, friends, and job, it is your temple, and it is your top priority.